The Gary & Shannon Show Hour 2 (05.18) – Antonio Villaraigosa stops in and says California Democrats lost common sense, modern campaigns have become street fights, and in politics you’re important… until suddenly you’re invisible.• Gary & Shannon sit down with former Los Angeles Mayor and California gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa to discuss his struggling polling numbers, the state of the Democratic Party, and why he believes voters are desperate for common sense leadership
• Villaraigosa argues both political parties have become increasingly tribal and says Democrats need to confront the mistakes that helped create California’s current problems
• The conversation shifts to campaign strategy, Eric Swalwell’s fundraising machine, Xavier Becerra’s rise within the party, and why Villaraigosa says he eventually realized debates have become more like street fights than structured discussions
• Villaraigosa also discusses Gavin Newsom staying neutral in the race, why politicians become “invisible” once voters move on, and why he still believes he has a role as a “proven problem solver”
• Plus: Spencer Pratt’s surprising rise as a legitimate mayoral candidate, accountability in politics, the future of the Democratic Party, and breaking wildfire evacuation news out of Simi Valley